Clairissa Templin

Favorite Bible Verse: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NAS)

Favorite thing about Baylor: Baylor feels like Goldilocks to me… it’s that perfect “just right” college. We have an unmatched combination of big-school spirit, top-tier research, and a small-college feeling. Because Baylor is the oldest college in Texas, there is a long lineage of Bears, and the rich history and tradition makes it feel like you really are part of a big family. And, best of all, prayer and conversations about faith are a regular part of the rhythm here at Baylor.

Favorite thing about Waco: Waco feels like home and an adventure all at the same time. There is a fresh and exciting energy to this city because there is always something happening, like a new coffeeshop or restaurant opening, a 5k run in the zoo, fun events and concerts, and more! At the same time, Waco is charming and cozy with a community that embodies the essence of a quintessential small town in America.

My story

My family is originally from Tennessee, and although I grew up in California, I always dreamt of someday coming back to my roots in the south. Thankfully, my husband shared the same dream, and in 2019, God brought us from Los Angeles to Waco. Becoming part of the Baylor Family has been an absolute blessing for both of us! 

Why is Baylor so special?

When I was a teenager looking at colleges, I used to think you could go to a good college OR a Christian college. It seemed like picking a Christian college meant you were conceding that it wouldn’t have great research or career propulsion, but at least you’d be surrounded by a strong faith community while going to college and that would make it worth the academic sacrifice. The Christian college I attended in California was a great school, but it was indeed missing the school spirit and career networking opportunities I knew were available at the bigger schools. 

Then, a few years into my career, I learned about Baylor and it felt like I had discovered this magical university, tucked away in the heart of Texas, that somehow had everything I had wanted when I was looking at colleges. I quickly fell in love with Baylor and felt a strong assurance that this was where I was meant to be… in fact, I put in my two-weeks notice before I even got my job here! I just knew Baylor was my new home. 

Something that stood out to me from the very beginning is that here, our faith drives us to be excellent. We have all the amazing aspects of a big college — school spirit, athletics, research — while still having the close-knit community of a small college, with staff and professors who care deeply about their students… YOUR students. 

How am I equipped to help you?

I believe that both the challenges and the triumphs in my life have equipped me to be an incredible resource to you. Within my own family and community, and the hundreds of families I have served in my career in admissions, I have been privy to so many aspects of the college experience. I can relate to what many of your students are going through, and yet in the years since I graduated, I’ve gained knowledge and wisdom within higher education that helps me be a resource to you. From attending both a community college and a private Christian university, then a career as an admissions counselor, to working with transfer students, I have the experience and expertise to serve you as you transition from the admissions process into the season of supporting your student through their college journey and beyond!